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Easy Homemade Empanadas photo

Homemade Empanadas

Savory homemade beef empanadas with a flaky pastry dough and seasoned beef, potato, and pea filling.
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Servings: 12 empanadas

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 3 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cupcubed cold unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoonsalt
  • 1 largeegg
  • 1/2 cupmilk
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 smallyellow onion
  • 1/3 cupfinely diced jalapenoabout 1 medium jalapeno
  • 1 poundground beef
  • 2 tablespoonstomato paste
  • 1 teaspoonchili powder
  • 1 teaspoonpaprika
  • 1 teaspooncumin
  • 1/2 teaspoonoregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cupbeef broth
  • 1 mediumpotato small diced
  • 1/4 cupfrozen peas
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoonswater

Instructions

Instructions

  • Make the dough: in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, add 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cubed cold unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon salt. Pulse a few times until the butter pieces are about the size of peas.
  • Add 1 large egg and ½ cup milk to the food processor. Pulse just until the dough comes together into a ball.
  • Turn the dough onto a work surface, press it into a flat round disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • While the dough chills, prepare the filling: heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), ⅓ cup finely diced jalapeño (about 1 medium jalapeño), and 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef, for 8–10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the spices and tomato paste are evenly incorporated.
  • Add 1 medium potato (small diced) and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ¼ cup frozen peas. Transfer the filling to a bowl and set aside to cool until it is easy to handle.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 5-inch ring cutter or small bowl to cut out 12 circles of dough (or divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a circle).
  • Place about ¼ cup of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon and press the edges together, sealing with the tines of a fork to crimp.
  • In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 2 tablespoons water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the empanadas. Bake on the prepared tray for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment Paper
  • Small Bowl
  • ring cutter or 5-inch cutter
  • work surface
  • Fork

Notes

To Store After Cooking:Let empanadas cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To Freeze Before Baking:Freeze assembled empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 5–10 minutes.To Freeze After Baking:Cool baked empanadas, then freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.Reheating Tip:Reheat empanadas in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy. No thawing needed for frozen ones!
To Store After Cooking:Let empanadas cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze Before Baking:Freeze assembled empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 5–10 minutes.
To Freeze After Baking:Cool baked empanadas, then freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tip:Reheat empanadas in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy. No thawing needed for frozen ones!